This document provides an annotated bibliography of Commonwealth (formerly the British Commonwealth) university management functions. Selection criteria included the following: items had to be practical and designed to support institutional management, be applicable to most Commonwealth higher education systems, and wherever possible be available…

Based on a literature review, this report provides an overview of charter schools. A total of 52 studies of operating charter schools and documents exploring the origins of the charter school concept were reviewed. The report covers the following topics: why and how people create a charter school; charter schools' autonomy compared with public…

This report examines the extent to which proposals to decentralize public education can be implemented by individuals, groups, or institutions prepared to operate charter schools. Charter schools must be able to balance autonomy for decisions relating to educational programs and accountability with academic standards and market forces.…

Economic dependence on federal support has increased while the debate over the nature and scope of government influence on higher education continues. Examples of this influence in hiring and admissions, academic policy-making, research regulation, and support of private institutions are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The implementation of reforms of institutional governance in France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom is reviewed. The analysis is focused on reform goals associated with autonomy and participation. These goals have only partly been achieved, due to unrealistic assumptions and to the continuation of interest group politics during policy…

State systems are seen as becoming more centralized. Many college presidents see a diminishing of campus autonomy by governing board staffs of higher education. Statewide planning and opening lines of communication are also discussed by George Janik and George B. Weathersby. (MLW)

The case for university autonomy, it is suggested, rests on recognition of the importance of a high degree of autonomy if an institution is to provide those services which society needs and wants in quality and quantity. Some basic factors justifying the extension of autonomy to the university are discussed. (MLW)

Discusses the diversity of continuing education, typically postsecondary, in the United States and the varying federal, state, and local educational policies that shape it. Due to funding complexities and institutional policies, continuing education operates within a market economy and is considered a special service for which most ought to pay.…

The varying impacts of alternative financial-aid policies and delivery procedures on colleges and potential students are considered. It is concluded that there is little that financial-aid policy itself can do to counter enrollment declines, but that individual policy innovations do have some potential to redistribute enrollment. (Author/JMD)

The implications of Australia's 1988 policy paper on higher education, which proposes far-reaching organizational, funding, and policy changes, are examined. The discussion focuses on the reasons for change, their scope and costs, accountability, research, and management issues. (MSE)

Discussion of library education in New Zealand focuses on the cultural clash between government control of education and university autonomy, as well as the clash between an indigenous people and a culture introduced from outside. Topics include nationwide higher education reform; distance education; quality assurance, including strategic…

This study explored quality assessment and accountability in Dutch university education using a case study approach. The Dutch national system of quality assurance is described, and developments since the mid-1980s are traced. The university case studies illustrate models which are being employed to implement the quality assurance system including…

Charter schools incorporate the focus of magnet schools but often go beyond their academic specialization to more social goals. They can operate at both elementary and secondary levels, although they are always quite small. The greatest difference, however, between charter schools and other public schools is their status as a bridge between public…

In each Canadian province, governments appear to be more and more intrusive into the day-to-day operations of their universities. Governments in such provinces as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Alberta are concerned with making the universities more cost-effective and more "accountable" to the government and to the public at…

This report summarizes the views and attitudes toward higher education of 43 leaders from Detroit (Michigan), Memphis (Tennessee), Cherry Hill (New Jersey), and San Antonio (Texas). The study found that the leaders' views were nearly opposite of those held by the American public as reported in two related publications. These community leaders know…